General Manager

Valley Center Municipal Water District is seeking applicants for the position of General Manager. Under policy direction of the Board of Directors, the General Manager provides day-to-day leadership and works with the District’s executive team to ensure a high performance, customer service-oriented work environment consistent with sound management principles and District mission and values; performs high level policy, technical and professional work in directing and supervising the administration of District business; plans, organizes, coordinates and administers all District functions and activities; performs related work as assigned.

This is an exempt, management-level class with overall responsibility for policy development, water resources planning and distribution, wastewater collection, treatment, disposal and reclamation; fiscal management, administration and operation of all District functions, programs and activities. The General Manager operates within broad policy guidelines and exercises substantial latitude and discretion to achieve effective and efficient utilization of the District’s resources in serving the District’s constituencies and rate payers; is accountable for developing, implementing, and executing short- and long-term plans, policies, budgets, and strategies to accomplish the District’s mission, Strategic Plan and Board of Directors priorities. The incumbent is responsible for accomplishing District goals and objectives and for implementing the policies of the Board on an ongoing basis. The General Manager is hired by the Board of Directors and works at the pleasure of the Board under an employment contract.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this position.

Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs the staff, work, activities and business of the District; develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the District; develops and implements long and short-range plans to ensure accomplishment of District objectives.

Communicates with the Board of Directors, regional organizations and appropriate federal and state agencies regarding District programs; advises the Board on issues and programs; prepares and recommends specific long-range plans and action proposals to the Board.

Provides professional policy advice to the Board and operational advice and direction to department heads. Ensures that the District is compliant with all contractual and legal requirements regarding water supply and wastewater treatment and reclamation. Directs the preparation of a variety of studies, reports, and related information for decision making purposes.

Makes final interpretations of District regulations and ordinances, codes and applicable laws; coordinates the preparation and presentation of various agendas, reports and written materials; directs the development and implementation of management systems, procedures and standards on a District-wide basis.

Directs and monitors implementation of adopted budgets; directs development and implementation of the capital improvement program and all major engineering and construction projects financed by the District; directs and monitors the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, policies, systems, financial strategies and procedures to achieve short- and long-term District-wide goals, objectives and work standards.

Represents the Board and District in contacts with various governmental agencies, community groups and businesses, and other professional organizations; makes presentations to state and federal legislators, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public; communicates official plans, policies and procedures to staff and the general public. Directs and oversees the analysis of proposed legislation and regulation; directs and participates in industry and intergovernmental activities to influence legislative and regulatory change consistent with the District’s interest and needs; serves as the District’s chief representative in dealings with the San Diego County Water Authority and/or other water distributors.

Directs the preparation of a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.

Plans and evaluates executive staff performance; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; provides compensation and other rewards to recognize performance; takes disciplinary action to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with the District’s personnel rules and policies.

Provides leadership and works with the executive team to develop and retain highly competent, customer-service oriented staff through selection, compensation, training and day-to-day management practice which support the District’s mission, strategic plan, objectives and values.

Directs the preparation or examination of public and private engineering plans, specifications, designs, cost estimates and legal descriptions for a variety of construction and maintenance projects.

Performs other duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES

Knowledge of: Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program and budget development and implementation; principles and practices of employee supervision; water resources management principles and practices; wastewater collection, treatment, disposal and reclamation principles, methods and facilities management; current social, political, and economic trends and operating problems relevant to the District; applicable laws and regulations affecting District administration; funding sources impacting service and program development; research methods and analysis techniques; principles and practices of effective management, budgeting, purchasing, and maintenance of public records; organization and functions of an elected board of directors; financial and public policy issues; principles and practices of construction and service contract negotiation and administration. General office safety and defensive driving techniques; understanding of Valley Center Municipal Water District Safety Rules and Regulations, Administrative Codes, and accident and injury reporting policies.

Ability to: Plan, organize, administer and coordinate a variety of services and programs; facilitate team management meetings; select, motivate and evaluate staff and provide for their professional development; develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls; analyze complex administrative problems, evaluate alternatives and adopt effective courses of action; prepare clear and concise reports and presentations; correspondence and other written materials; develop and maintain continuous improvement in all areas of operations; track and monitor department performance, and make sound decisions based on departmental performance indicators; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Directors, District staff, members of local, state and federal organizations and representatives of the community; exercise sound, independent judgment with general policy guidelines.

Education, Experience, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. An advanced degree in a related field would be considered an advantage and is highly desirable.

Experience: A minimum of ten years of experience, including five years of progressively responsible experience in the management of and policy development for an agency involved in water production, distribution, and wastewater collection, treatment and disposal and/or reclamation. Experience in working with an elected Board or Commission is highly desirable.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

A District Application and Supplemental Application Question responses are required for consideration for this position and are available online at www.valleycenterwater.org or at our District office located at 29300 Valley Center Road, Valley Center. Office hours are 7:00am to 4:30pm Monday – Thursday and 7:00am to 3:30pm on Friday. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed District application. Please direct any questions to Stephanie Lackerdas at (760) 735-4525.

The provisions of this notice do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision in this notice may be modified or revoked without notice. Persons selected for employment will be required to take, and pass, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check. They will also be required to present documents establishing qualifications, personal identity and the legal right to work in the United States. The District makes reasonable accommodations for the disabled. If candidates require special arrangements to participate in the interview process, they should state their needs when invited to participate in an oral panel interview. Valley Center Municipal Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.